July 2009 - Seattle Mariners Wiretap

The Mariners could still re-sign first baseman Russell Branyan if he can be had for a one-year deal. Branyan is looking to cash in on the career year he had in 2009, but the market for his services hasn't played out in his favor. He hit .251 with 31 home runs and 76 RBI in 2009.

The Mariners have spent a considerable amount of money this winter, but Buster Olney of ESPN reports that they are still looking at either a first baseman or second baseman. A lot will depend on what they decide to do with Jose Lopez, who played second base in 2009, and they also want to add to the back-end of their rotation.

The Blue Jays and Mariners have finalized the trade that will send pitcher Brandon Morrow to Toronto for reliever Brandon League and a minor leaguer. "We acquired a very talented arm, and we gave up a very talented arm," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said on a conference call Wednesday. "They just fit different roles in each organization." Zduriencik called it a tough decision that was debated for almost two months and through perhaps as many as 15 conversations with Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos. Seattle shuffled Morrow from the bullpen to the rotation. "Looking back on it, it may not have been the greatest thing in the world for Brandon," Zduriencik said. "But it's a double-edged sword. He did gain major league experience that was invaluable for him."

A baseball official told FOX Sports that the Mets, Mariners, Giants and Angels are interested in free agent outfielder Jason Bay. One source believes the Mariners are attempting to clear payroll in order to make a late push for Bay, but a rival scout doubts that Seattle would sign Bay for more than one or two years due to their outfield prospects.

The Blue Jays and Mariners have reached a tentative agreement on a trade that would send pitcher Brandon Morrow to Toronto, sources told FOX Sports. Seattle would receive reliever Brandon League and a prospect to complete the deal. The players must pass physicals to complete the trade.

Milton Bradley is thrilled to have gotten a fresh start in Seattle. The Mariners acquired Bradley from the Cubs on Friday in a move to bolster their lineup. "I'm the most simple, basic player you've got going," Bradley said. "I go about my business and you wouldn't even know I'm there. I'll observe first before really speaking out and opening up until I know people. I'm honest and loyal and I love to compete and win. "It's pretty simple: If you treat me like a man and respect me for an individual and what I am, you won't have a problem."

The Mariners are looking to trade pitcher Brandon Morrow for a hitter, sources told FOX Sports. Having lost Nick Johnson to the Yankees, Seattle needs a bat at designated hitter or third base. If they can't deal Morrow, they haven't ruled out re-signing third baseman Adrian Beltre or first baseman Russell Branyan.

The Mariners are moving towards a contract extension with center fielder Franklin Gutierrez. Sources told FOX Sports that the two sides are "making progress" on a long-term deal. Gutierrez is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time. He hit .283 with 18 home runs and 70 RBI in 2009.

The Chicago Cubs were finally able to rid themselves of Milton Bradley on Friday when they dealt him to Seattle for pitcher Carlos Silva. The deal makes sense because both players have very similar contracts and both teams wanted to go in a different direction. Bradley is owed $23 million over the next two years and Silva is owed $25 million. Bradley struggled in Chicago last year batting .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI's. But it was his attitude in the locker room which made Chicago feel they must deal him before the start of the 2010 season. Bradley was suspended at the end of the regular season after repeatedly making inflammatory statements and having run-ins with reporters. Silva appeared in eight games last year, going 1-3 with an 8.60 ERA.

Cliff Lee was stunned that the Phillies traded him to the Mariners in the blockbuster Roy Halladay trade involving the Blue Jays earlier this week. Lee thought he'd retire in Philadelphia. "At first, I didn't believe it. I thought we were working out an extension with the Phillies," Lee said of the trade. "I thought I'd be spending the rest of my career there. ... I was under the impression they wanted to keep me there for a long time. "In my mind, it was going to happen." Lee added that he can't blame the Phillies for trying to acquire Halladay, who he called "the best pitcher in baseball."